Minehead

all you need to know

Minehead is where Exmoor meets the sea, and sits on the edge of the Exmoor National Park. Ideal for lovers of the coast and countryside, the town offers traditional seaside fun against the backdrop of the rural beauty of Exmoor.

About Minehead

Minehead is where Exmoor meets the sea and sits on the edge of the Exmoor National Park. Ideal for lovers of the coast and countryside, the town offers traditional seaside fun with its promenade and mile-long sand and pebble beach, and wonderful views of the Bristol Channel.

The South West Coast Path begins in Minehead, on the quayside, before winding its way around 630 miles of glorious coastline. North Hill, where Exmoor National Park begins, dominates the town and its green slopes can be seen for miles around. It is just a short walk from the centre of town so without venturing far you can enjoy the countryside and even spot red deer and Exmoor ponies.

Popular local activities include fishing trips, boat trips from the harbour to the unspoilt Lundy Island, a visit to the nearby medieval village of Dunster for its ancient castle, stunning gardens and traditional tea rooms, and day trips to the pretty coastal harbour towns of Lynton and Lynmouth. Meanwhile,a day pass for nearby Butlins will keep the kids entertained on days when the beach doesn’t appeal.

A holiday cottage in Minehead is the perfect base for those looking for a coastal holiday with a healthy dose of moorland life just a stone's throw away.

Exmoor Riding
(5 miles)

A holistic horse riding experience on Exmoor, heading out with these guys is pretty magic. You can go barefoot and bitless if you fancy it in the grounds of Exmoor Owl & Hawk Centre, just one mile from Porlock, and five miles west of Minehead. Either way you can traverse woodland and moorland with spectacular views to the sea and across the moor to Devon and Cornwall.

Exmoor Adventures
(7 miles)

Offering a range of award-winning outdoor activities, Exmoor Adventures gives you the chance to try your hand at coasteering, kayaking, mountain biking, rock climbing, raft building, abseiling and a host of other adventure sports. Based in Porlock West Somerset, the team are fun, passionate and have lots of experience. Founder Dan was even a British Cycling MTB leadership tutor.

Doniford Farm
(8 miles)

A free entry farm park that dates back to the 16th century on the West Somerset coast, Doniford Farm has a café, a farm shop and a gift shop with sea views. It’s a chance to see Oussent sheep, the smallest breed of sheep in the world, alpacas, a shire horse, Shetland ponies, birds of prey, and even visit their meerkat manor.

Exmoor Cycle Route
(14 miles)

One of the best and most challenging locations for off-road cycling, Exmoor enjoys a network of bridleways, lanes and other permitted tracks with ample opportunity for some wonderful rides. The Exmoor OS Explorer Map has details of the many routes available, but it is asked that you take into consideration other users, wildlife and the environment when mountain biking in the area by only using permitted tracks and following the Countryside Code, which you can find on the Exmoor National Park website.

Exmoor Zoo
(20 miles)

A real family labour of love, Exmoor Zoo opened in 1993 with two members of staff and 10,000 visitors. Today it is a unique attraction that has grown to house an array of animals and over 35 breeding programs to maintain the captive population of endangered species. There’s an African café, shows and events, and activities for kids.

Reeves
(3 miles)

Whether you choose to dine in the beamed restaurant or outside in the pretty walled garden, you’re in for a treat at this fine dining restaurant in the heart of the medieval village of Dunster. From the warm welcome you receive front of house, to the fine ingredients used and attention to detail in the kitchen, Reeves is worthy of its glowing newspaper reviews.

The Ship Inn - Porlock
(6 miles)

A pretty thatched 13th century coaching inn with roaring log fires in winter and a large outdoor seating area and children’s play area for the summer months. Homemade, unpretentious food making use of the excellent local Exmoor produce is served daily in the restaurant and bar. Dog friendly with plenty of parking.

Pebbles Tavern
(7 miles)

Serving over 30 draught ciders and winner of Camra Cider Pub of the Year for the last three years along with a collection of other awards, Pebbles Tavern is a cider drinker’s idea of heaven. Regular music nights including Acoustic and Sea Shanty nights add to the West Country charm.

The Bell Inn - Watchet
(7 miles)

Just 100 yards from Watchet’s pretty marina, The Bell Inn is a friendly pub full of interesting historical features and today serves a good collection of local ales and ciders along with an extensive menu of freshly prepared pub classics.

Blue Anchor Bay & Dunster
(4 miles)

Long sand and shingle beaches peppered with alabaster rocks that are perfect for finding fossils, Blue Anchor Bay and Dunster Beach in Somerset are adjacent to one another, and are beautiful places to while away the afternoon, whatever time of the year. Dogs are allowed on the beaches all year round, which is a novelty, there are toilets close by, and a pub as well for those lazy lunches after a morning’s stroll. The West Somerset Railway comes close to the beach, adding an extra layer of interest, and there’s plenty of parking close to both of them as well, which is always a blessing. The beaches are tidal and can get a little muddy at low tide, so careful not to slip and don’t get caught out when the water comes in!

Combe Martin
(25 miles)

Next to the North Devon town of Combe Martin, at the western edge of the Exmoor National Park, is a pretty sandy beach peppered with rock pools. Enjoying easy access and facilities close by, the beach is popular and has won awards for its high quality. The beach is also good for families due to the vast stretch of sand and rock pools that will keep children entertained for hours, dogs are not allowed on the beach from May to September and there are cafes and restaurants close by. It boasts some of the finest scenery and includes the reputedly highest cliffs in England, the gentle currents make the water perfect for swimming. There is a large car park above Combe Martin beach, a small car park to the north of the beach, and toilets by the main car park.